Navigating Impulsive Ideas with ADHD: A Smarter Approach to Grand Plans
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Every once in a while, an idea pops into my head. It seems grand and impossible, yet I want to do it. Now, I know I have ADHD, and the ideas that pop into my head could be an impulsive mistake if I act without thinking. Maybe you, dear reader, know something about this. Has a grand idea ever popped into your head that you immediately wanted to act upon? This is scary and can go horribly wrong if not dealt with properly. So, what should you and I do in these scenarios? Should we dismiss the idea, or should we jump into it right away? What if there was a third way? That third way would be to consider the idea without making any commitments right away. Ultimately, I think that is what is best.
Why Not Just Dismiss the Idea?
As I mentioned above, these grand ideas can pop into our heads suddenly. One would think that is just a fleeting idea and one to dismiss quickly, but there is a reason it popped into your head. If there is not an immediate repulsive reaction to the idea, there is some part of you that wants to do it. The reason it is not immediately rejected is there is an appeal to the idea. I think the idea deserves to be explore. Now, I’m not saying, it is a good idea and that you should do it, but what I am saying is it is worth exploring.
The other thing I want to say about these grand ideas is that, sometimes, they are not random. They may seem like they came out of nowhere, but there is a possibility you’ve had this thought before. For example, an idea came to me last night as I was trying to fall asleep that I know I have had before, but last night was the first time I seriously considered it. So, I’m considering it.
Why Not Act Right Away?
If you act right away, then it is an impulsive decision, and those tend to go poorly. However, if you give it the time it needs to be fully considered, you can come up with a plan to lessen the negative consequences or eliminate them altogether. Furthermore, you can plan how to transition slowly into the grand idea, making adjustments as you go. So, my advice is to slow down, but consider the idea.
How to Slow Down
One way to slow down is to get distance. Go away from the places where it is easy to implement this grand but impulsive idea. Once you are separated from the ability to act, you can think clearly.
Another good thing to do is to run your idea by trusted advisors. Find those people who know you well but can respond to your idea objectively and give you sound advice. Don’t ask family. They are too invested in your life. Now, if you have a spouse, you should probably not do anything drastic without consulting them. If you are a minor, you might want to run things past your parent/guardian. But, if you are an adult, don’t go to your parents. You are an adult. Act like one, and make this decision without their biased input. Ask friends. Ask a mentor. Okay, if you trust certain members of your family to give you unbiased advice, you can run it by them, too. Just make sure you slow down, and do not act impulsively.
Don’t Let the Decision Weigh You Down
Have fun. It’s a new idea. Let it excite you. Take a break from the idea when it gets too overwhelming. Don’t delay your decision, though. It will be a dark cloud hanging over you if you let it hang around for too long. Make a good decision. Your future self will thank you for it.